Authorities are expected to reach US teenage solo sailor Abby Sunderland this afternoon, after wild weather in the Indian Ocean cut short her round-the-world attempt.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has confirmed a fishing boat is on its way to rescue the 16-year-old but won't say when it's expected to arrive due to possible changing weather conditions.
It was earlier reported the rescue would take place about 2.30pm (AEST).
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AMSA also confirmed a global express aircraft will depart Perth at 11am (AEST) to monitor ABBY and touch base with her via radio contact.
She activated two emergency beacons late on Thursday night, barely minutes after telling her parents about fierce weather conditions off Australia's west coast.
A chartered Qantas plane was sent from Perth early on yesterday morning to search the area about 3700 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia .. and located her just after 4pm.
Her 12-metre yacht, Wild Eyes, was upright but had lost its mast.
Costs questioned
Yesterday, it was confirmed that Australia would pay for its part in the search and rescue.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority chief executive Mick Kinley did not say how much the rescue mission would cost, but said there would be no attempt to recover costs.
When asked if Australia would seek to get the money back, Mr Kinley said: "No, that's the way the system runs.
"We would expect people to rescue any Australian yachtsman (in these conditions)," he said.
Costly rescue missions off the coast of Australia have in the past received criticism, as Australian authorities came to the aid of stricken international yachtsmen in the vast oceans surrounding the country.
